Salmon Fishing in Iceland: Gear up for success at Fin & Game

Salmon fishing in Iceland is a truly unique experience, offering anglers the chance to fish in some of the world’s most pristine rivers while pursuing the mighty Atlantic salmon. At Fin & Game, we specialise in providing the right gear and advice to help you make the most of your fishing adventure.

Salmon Fishing in Iceland: Recommended Gear

We recommend bringing two rods for salmon fishing in Iceland to cover different scenarios. A single-hand rod between 9′ and 10′, rated for #7 or #8 weight, is ideal for smaller rivers and precise casting or switch rod up to #7 weight offers versatility. For larger rivers or situations requiring longer casts, a small double-handed rod rated for #7 or #8 weight and measuring around 12′ to 13′ is highly effective.

An integrated shooting head is the best choice for most Icelandic rivers due to not having a loop-to-loop connection at the rear, making stripping and twitching flies much easier through the rod rings. Pair your rod with strong reels featuring smooth drag systems, ensuring you can handle the powerful runs of Icelandic salmon. Backing of at least 200 meters is recommended for added security.

Salmon Fishing in Iceland: Flies

Choosing the right flies is essential for success when salmon fishing in Iceland. At Fin & Game, we stock a wide range of proven patterns from the Icelandic Brand Atlantic Flies, which are incredibly popular with our customers:

• Hitch Flies: Riffle Hitch flies are perfect for skating across the surface and creating a visual wake that attracts salmon.

• Micro Flies: Small patterns like Green Butt Micro Double work well in clear water conditions.

• Sunrays: Sunray Shadows and Collie Dogs are highly effective for enticing salmon with their movement.

• Conehead Flies: Red Frances and Black Frances with cone heads are excellent choices for faster currents or deeper pools.

These flies are designed to provoke aggressive strikes from salmon, whether you’re fishing on the surface or slightly below.

Tactics

The right tactics can make all the difference when salmon fishing in Iceland’s rivers. Stripping and twitching flies are particularly effective techniques, especially in faster currents or pools where quick strips can trigger aggressive strikes from salmon. However, keep in mind that using integrated floating shooting heads make this process much easier.

The Riffle Hitch technique is another favourite among anglers, allowing you to skate flies across the surface and create a seductive wake that draws salmon out of hiding. In Iceland’s clear waters, spot-and-cast fishing adds an exciting visual element to your approach, enabling you to see fish before making your cast—a precision-based method that enhances the thrill of each catch.

At Fin & Game, we are passionate about equipping anglers with the best gear and advice for salmon fishing in Iceland. From rods and reels to expertly selected flies, our shop has everything you need to ensure your trip is both successful and unforgettable. Let us help you prepare for an incredible adventure on Iceland’s stunning rivers!